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Chapter 69: Feeding Winnie Milk in Front of Paul

“Isn’t that Miss Winnie?” Lodis’s voice jolted Paul out of his meditation.

His heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name.

He followed Lodis’s gaze and saw Kailun teasing Winnie with a piece of stale bread.

She looked like a begging dog, her eyes pleading for sustenance.

“Stop it! You monster! What are you doing to her!” He charged forward, his anger boiling over.

If not for Lodis restraining him, he would have launched a flying kick.

His previous “encounter” with Kailun had revealed his third-tier strength. Paul was confident he could win in a fight.

“Do I need your permission to feed my fiancée?” Kailun’s voice was cold.

He sat on a boulder, Winnie kneeling between his legs, her gaze fixed on the bread, her mouth watering.

He had discovered that Winnie’s spirit wasn’t as strong as he had initially thought. After last night’s humiliation, her despair had deepened, making her more susceptible to his manipulations.

Before, she would have starved rather than accept food from him.

But now, a simple piece of bread could elicit such a pathetic response. Her hatred, however, remained undiminished.

If not for the anti-magic collar suppressing her magic, she would have resorted to more desperate measures.

Winnie felt a surge of shame as she met Paul’s gaze, but the gnawing hunger quickly overshadowed it.

If she had a tail, she would have wagged it.

The candy he had given her earlier, enhancing her senses, amplified her hunger.

“Fiancée?” Paul’s heart sank. Was this wedding for Winnie?

He examined her beautiful black dress, his suspicions growing.

Even though he had already considered the possibility of her becoming Kailun’s, witnessing it firsthand was unbearable.

She was his childhood friend, the girl he loved.

“Is this your wedding with Winnie?” he asked, clutching his chest, his heart threatening to explode.

“What do you think?” Kailun countered.

His answer confirmed Paul’s worst fears. “But even so, you can’t treat her like this! Only I can do that to her!”

“No, that’s not what I meant! I meant… what you’re doing is monstrous!” His thoughts were a jumbled mess, torn between anger and jealousy.

“I’m merely engaging in a bit of playful intimacy with my fiancée. Isn’t it rather presumptuous of you, an outsider, to interfere? Don’t you agree, my dear Winnie?”

He held the bread to her lips. Driven by instinct, she opened her mouth and bit down, crumbs scattering across the ground.

It was a pitiful sight. The once proud noble lady reduced to begging for scraps.

Look how he’s starving the poor girl! Heartless monster! He’ll surely rot in hell!

Oh, right. He was the one starving her.

Kailun, having recently crawled out of hell, wasn’t concerned.

“Stop it, you anim…” Paul’s insult died in his throat as Roden’s cold gaze fell upon him.

Even with Harry by his side, he felt a surge of fear.

Kailun stroked Winnie’s cheek gently. “Is it good?”

“Mmm…” She couldn’t answer, her focus consumed by the act of swallowing.

Tears streamed down her face, staining Kailun’s pants. Her pride was in tatters.

“Eating bread alone can be dry. Let’s add some milk.”

He retrieved a bottle of milk and uncorked it. Winnie expected him to hand it to her, but instead, he took a large gulp himself.

He pointed at his lips, his eyes meeting hers.

Understanding dawned upon her. He wanted her to kiss him, to take it from him, with Paul watching.

Tears flowed freely as she cupped his face in her hands and, driven by desperation, closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.

“No! Don’t do it!” Paul cried out, lunging forward, but Harry held him back.

“Gulp, gulp!”

Kailun transferred the milk into her mouth, his movements rough and forceful. She choked, spluttering.

“Cough, cough…” Milk dribbled down her chin, staining her dress.

“Why… why are you doing this to me? Why are you betraying me, Winnie?” Paul collapsed to the ground, his spirit broken.

The scene before him mirrored his own experience the previous night.

He was on the verge of a complete breakdown.

Just as Kailun was about to take things further, Harry knelt beside Paul and embraced him, his voice soft and comforting. “Don’t despair, my boy. Women are but fleeting distractions. You have people who care about you. You haven’t lost everything. Look ahead. The future is bright.”

Paul: “…Mmm…”

Kailun: “？？?”

Seriously? That worked?

He was stunned. Just how twisted were these nobles?

And that Harry! Taking advantage of Paul’s vulnerability? The audacity!

Kailun felt a twinge of disappointment. His plan had almost succeeded. He hugged Winnie tighter, afraid of being influenced by their depravity.

He wasn’t the most deviant one after all. The nobility was a breeding ground for perversion.

He slipped Winnie a piece of the antidote when no one was looking. Otherwise, she might start gnawing on his pants.

As her hunger subsided, she realized what she had done. Her already fragile self-esteem plummeted even further, her favorability towards Kailun dropping to -95.

She turned and saw Paul nestled in the old man’s arms. She almost vomited.

“Don’t you dare throw up on me! You’ll lick it up and swallow it!” Kailun warned.

“Mmm…” She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

Chapter 68: Poor Winnie

“Father, our journey to reinforce Princess Hilna must be worthy of the highest commendation, right?” Stamp’s son asked excitedly as their army marched towards the valley.

Duke Stamp chuckled, unable to contain his glee. “It might not be the highest, but it’s certainly a significant contribution. If all goes well, our family might even surpass the Grand Duke’s.”

Young Barr, ever the strategist, offered his analysis. “Father, with all due respect, the Grand Duke’s family poses no threat. Their sole heir is a complete fool. He’s about to be surrounded by Hilna’s forces and he’s still oblivious.”

“Haha, once we capture that boy, we can hold the entire Grand Duke’s family hostage! We might even be able to seize a portion of their territory! Foolishly opposing the brilliant Princess Hilna? He’s practically begging for death!”

Stamp had always envied the Grand Duke’s family. They had started from similar positions, but over generations, the gap between them had widened significantly.

His own family was in decline. With the impending change in royal leadership, he had no choice but to side with Hilna.

This was his chance to restore his family’s glory. Failure meant demotion and the loss of their lands.

He was grateful that Kailun was an incompetent fool. Otherwise, this power struggle might have taken a different turn.

And holding a grand wedding at such a crucial time? What a perfect opportunity for Hilna to strike!

However, the wedding venue… He couldn’t shake off a sense of unease about that valley.

“How long until we reach our destination?”

“Just half an hour, Your Grace,” his aide replied.

“Excellent! Increase our pace! This battle will be our rebirth! Victory will bring great rewards! I’ll personally recommend those who excel for promotion and noble titles!”

His booming voice masked his inner turmoil.

…

Meanwhile, another Knight Order from the Grand Duke’s forces had reached Duke Stamp’s stronghold.

They observed the city from afar, concealed within the forest.

Their cloaking magic had ensured their journey went unnoticed.

Or perhaps it was simply Stamp’s negligence. He had likely never considered the possibility of an attack from such a distance.

Such long expeditions typically didn’t carry excessive supplies, limiting the attackers’ ability to sustain a prolonged siege. Failure meant attrition and defeat.

But this wasn’t a normal situation. Stamp’s undefended stronghold wouldn’t stand a chance against these elite knights. They were simply waiting for the opportune moment.

Master Kailun had called it an auspicious time. They didn’t understand the significance, but they followed orders.

If all went well, Kailun’s standing in their eyes would soar.

He glanced at his watch. Half an hour until the designated time.

A similar scene played out near the Eternal Fortress. Everyone was waiting for the same synchronized moment.

As if guided by fate, the Silver Moon Knights and Stamp’s army both arrived at 9:00 am.

For Kailun, this was the perfect time.

…

“Princess Hilna is truly generous. A gift of ten thousand gold coins? Far more extravagant than a certain prince.” Kailun examined the contents of the chest Hilna had presented him with, offering a perfunctory compliment.

“A mere trifle.” She waved her hand dismissively.

The gold wasn’t meant for him. It was a reward for Stamp, to be presented after his capture.

“I’m truly indebted to you, Your Highness. First Phils, then Vivian, and now this generous gift. You spoil me.” He gestured for his men to collect the gold.

Hilna suddenly felt like a fool.

Phils, one of the Five Great Beauties of the Royal City? Gifted!

Her adorable little sister, Vivian? Gifted!

A wedding gift of ten thousand gold coins? Gifted!

What else could she possibly offer? Her kingdom? Herself?

“How’s Vivian doing?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Excellent! Very useful!” He gave her a thumbs-up.

Hilna: “…”

Shirley: “…”

If not for Stamp’s impending arrival, she might have attacked him on the spot.

Sensing the conversation was going nowhere, Kailun gestured towards Lodis and his group. “Your brother and his companions have just arrived. Why don’t you join them? Catch up on family matters.”

Hilna’s face darkened. “I doubt they’d welcome me.”

“How about I leave Phils to entertain you?” He grinned mischievously.

Hilna’s eyes narrowed, a hint of cruelty flashing within. “Is that so? I have much to discuss with Miss Phils.”

Phils quickly hid behind Kailun. Leaving her with Hilna would be like throwing a lamb to a wolf.

“What a shame. Phils seems quite attached to me. My apologies.” He offered a insincere apology and led Phils away.

As they walked away, he leaned in and whispered, “Compared to Hilna, I’m quite kind, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, yes! You’re the best!” She nodded eagerly.

A minor noble like her, without protection, would be crushed in this power struggle.

Pitiful, weak, and… well, she needed Kailun’s protection to maintain her facade of confidence.

She clung to him, feeling safe and secure.

[Phils feels safe under your protection. Favorability increased. Current favorability: 82.]

“Since I rescued you from Hilna’s clutches, you wouldn’t mind helping with the venue preparations, would you?”

“Of course not! I’ll go right away!” She hurried off to assist Carol, her eagerness a performance for the benefit of those watching.

With a little time to spare, Kailun decided to make another attempt at pushing Paul’s favorability past -100.

He had already punched the guy, and his favorability hadn’t budged. Was he made of stone?

His gaze fell upon a pitiful Winnie. An idea sparked in his mind.

Chapter 67: The First Punch

Kailun shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Paul, you break my heart. I considered you a friend. I lent you money, helped you find your sister, and even paid a hefty sum to rescue her when she was about to be sold into slavery.”

“Enough!” Paul snapped, his voice strangely high-pitched.

“Stop pretending, Kailun! I never considered you a friend! I only approached you to exploit your wealth and status! And you were doing the same to me! You enjoyed mocking me, humiliating me, playing with my emotions!” He glared at Kailun, his eyes filled with hatred.

“You’re wrong. I did consider you a friend. At least until three days ago.”

He had been naive in his past life, trusting Paul completely. But that trust had been shattered.

He hadn’t known that Paul had already pledged his allegiance to Hilna by the time they graduated.

And to make matters worse, he had failed to kill Paul. The one opportunity he had, during an ambush, had been thwarted by Winnie, who had taken the blow meant for Paul. Their final confrontation had ended in a crushing defeat.

He had lost his family, his hope, everything.

But in this life, he would return that despair tenfold.

“Stop with the charade! You disgust me!” Paul spat.

Kailun’s brow furrowed. “How dare you!”

Before anyone could react, he channeled a portion of his attributes into Agility and Strength, appearing before Paul in a flash.

“Thud!”

A sickening crunch echoed through the valley as Paul’s body folded in on itself, flying backwards.

He crashed through a group of soldiers, finally coming to a stop after skidding across the ground for over ten meters.

Lodis’s face hardened. “Kailun, that was uncalled for! Attacking my man in my presence? Do you have no respect for a prince?”

Harry, who had been watching with amusement, now glared at Kailun before rushing over to heal Paul.

“My apologies, Your Highness. But Paul broke the law by openly insulting a noble. I’m within my rights to punish him, even if it means removing his limbs. Are you suggesting there’s something wrong with the kingdom’s laws?” Kailun smiled sweetly, wiping his hands with a handkerchief offered by Anna.

He had attacked Paul for one simple reason: he felt like it.

Lodis, after a moment of silence, chuckled. “You’re right, of course. It was Paul’s fault. Let’s not dwell on this. It’s your wedding day. Congratulations.”

Kailun ignored the sarcasm in his voice. “Thank you for your kind wishes. What gift have you brought? I’m quite curious.”

Lodis froze.

He hadn’t planned on bringing a gift. His plan involved sacrificing his remaining guards and then framing Kailun and Hilna as traitors with Harry’s help. He hadn’t anticipated Kailun’s audacity.

But refusing to offer a gift would be a loss of face.

He took a deep breath, reminding himself to be magnanimous.

“Of course!” He gritted his teeth and retrieved a scroll from his pocket. “A fifth-tier magic scroll. That should suffice.”

A fifth-tier scroll was worth nearly a thousand gold coins, a valuable commodity in the Xiya Kingdom.

“More than enough! You’re too kind, Your Highness.” Kailun smiled, handing the scroll to Roden for safekeeping.

“Oh, look! The princess has arrived! Please excuse me, Your Highness. I must go greet her.”

He grabbed Anna’s hand and hurried away.

“The nerve! He didn’t even bother assigning someone to entertain us! No wonder Hilna hates you!” Lodis fumed, watching him go.

“How’s Paul? Did that bastard kill him?” He turned to Harry, his voice laced with concern.

“Minor internal bleeding. A scratch. Not even as much blood as we spilled last night. He’s fine now.” Harry helped Paul to his feet.

“That Kailun is going too far! A wedding? Hah! Hilna’s army will arrive soon enough. It’ll be a funeral!” Lodis scoffed.

“Don’t underestimate him. He’s strange. He only displayed third-tier power, but I couldn’t sense its source.” Harry shook his head, his gaze wary.

Lodis frowned. “Is that even possible?”

“Cough, cough!” Paul coughed, struggling to sit up. He glared at Kailun, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Harry embraced him, his voice soothing. “My poor boy. Don’t fret. Once I introduce you to the Saint, you’ll soar to new heights. Kailun will be nothing to you. The entire Xiya Kingdom will be beneath you.”

Despite his disgust, Paul endured, his desire for revenge overriding his revulsion.

He couldn’t understand how Kailun had surpassed him in strength. In his eyes, Kailun had always been a talentless weakling.

…

Meanwhile, Kailun, with Phils by his side, approached Hilna. He had switched Anna and Phils’s positions earlier.

“Welcome, Your Highness! You brought quite the entourage! I’m honored.” He smiled, his gaze sweeping across her companions.

Kostja, Loston, and the others offered him awkward smiles.

Anderson was the most pitiful. He had lost his hand and his position, forced into early retirement.

Only Shirley and Hilna met his gaze directly. Shirley seemed unchanged, but Hilna looked weary, the aura of regality that had once surrounded her now faded.

What a shame, Kailun thought. She had lost a bit of her edge.

“You were a valued student, Kailun. I wouldn’t miss your wedding. But is Phils truly the bride?” Hilna’s gaze flickered between them. She had suspected Phils’s betrayal for some time now.

“Not quite. She hasn’t arrived yet. But you’ll see her soon enough.” His smile held a hidden meaning.

Chapter 66: Paul, You Sold Your Own Sister?

Kailun’s “procession” consisted of just over a thousand people, all clad in black attire. Like a dark tide, they surged forward, their path unimpeded.

They arrived at the valley at 8:30 am, the sun already bathing the land in its golden light.

The valley had been meticulously transformed. Black Sunset Flowers carpeted every inch of the ground, interspersed with elegant decorations. It truly resembled a wedding venue.

But while Kailun’s face was alight with amusement, the expressions of those around him were decidedly more serious.

“Hmm, the princess isn’t here yet? Late for such an important event? How careless of her,” Kailun remarked, his gaze sweeping across the valley.

“You still haven’t told us who the bride is!” Phils, clad in a black dress, hopped out of the carriage and promptly linked her arm with his.

Kailun sighed, resigned to her clinginess. “My arm belongs to the bride today. Aren’t you afraid she’ll run you through with her sword?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll let go when she arrives. Besides, don’t you think it’s exciting? A groom engaging in secret rendezvous with another woman right before his wedding… Ooh, I’m getting goosebumps!” Phils giggled, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell her all about it.”

“So who is the bride?” Vivian, hopping out of the carriage behind them, echoed Phils’s question.

A strange feeling of discomfort settled in her chest.

She hated Kailun, but why did this bother her so much?

“Patience. You’ll find out soon enough.” Kailun smiled, keeping his answer a secret.

Carol, Anna, and Ella, however, had their suspicions. They all thought of the same person: the silver-haired beauty.

Carol felt a pang of envy. Anna was indifferent. Ella, on the other hand, felt a sense of pity. What a waste that such a perfect woman would end up with a devil like Kailun.

“Can I have something to eat? I’m starving!” Winnie, her face pale and drawn, stumbled out of the carriage, barely managing to stay upright.

She, too, wore a black dress, but unlike the others, she had a collar around her neck, a chain connecting it to Vivian’s wrist.

“Didn’t you feed her?” Kailun asked Vivian.

“A disobedient dog deserves to be hungry,” Vivian replied calmly.

In truth, she had simply forgotten about Winnie.

“But she hasn’t eaten in two days.”

Vivian pouted. “Don’t question my methods. I know how to train dogs. I read about it in a book.”

“I wouldn’t dream of doubting your expertise. Since you’re confident, I’ll leave Winnie in your care. If you do well, you can even train Hilna.”

He had no doubt she would excel at this task. In his past life, the phrase Vivian had uttered most often was “Be my dog.”

She might not be able to train him in this life, but training his enemies was a close second.

“Really?” Vivian’s eyes lit up.

“I never lie.”

“I’m really about to faint! Please, just a bite!” Winnie leaned against the carriage, her head spinning.

Why was she, a noble lady, being subjected to such cruelty?

And she couldn’t even vent her frustration at Vivian. Years of ingrained social hierarchy prevented her from defying a member of the Royal Family.

“The princess and the Second Prince aren’t here yet. You girls can explore the area, but stay within my sight.”

Kailun, once again ignoring Winnie’s pleas, addressed the others.

No one dared disobey him, except for Winnie. Even Vivian, thanks to her self-inflicted poisoning, was under his control.

Ella immediately dragged Anna aside for a private conversation, while Vivian, with Winnie in tow, wandered off, further depleting her already dwindling energy.

Soon, only Carol and Phils remained by his side.

“Phils, how much do you know about internal affairs?” he asked.

“A little. I used to help my family manage our territory.”

“Just a little? That won’t do. You need to learn more. I’ll find you a competent tutor after today’s events.”

He didn’t have the time to micromanage every aspect of governance. He would set the overall direction, but the details were best left to others. Otherwise, Phils and the others would be nothing more than beautiful ornaments.

“Okay, okay. But honestly, I’d rather be subjected to your… interrogation methods.”

“If you prove your worth, I might indulge your… Wait. Looks like we have company.”

He spotted the Second Prince’s entourage approaching on horseback.

He called the girls back and, with Anna and Roden by his side, went to greet their guests.

Roden was there for security. Anna, however, was there to provoke Paul, who was riding among Lodis’s men.

Not only was Paul present, but he was also positioned between Lodis and Harry, clearly favored.

And judging by his aura, he had already reached the third tier. He must have paid a steep price for that power.

The advance party was small, only five hundred men. But Kailun sensed magical fluctuations emanating from the three leaders: spatial magic, if he wasn’t mistaken.

They had clearly prepared an escape route.

“Your Highness, Bishop Harry. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Your attendance makes this wedding truly special.” Kailun greeted them, his arm casually draped around Anna’s waist.

“The pleasure is all ours, Kailun. It’s an honor to be invited.” Lodis dismounted and returned the gesture. He eyed Anna curiously. “Is this the lovely bride? Truly a beauty, even by royal standards.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness. This isn’t the bride. Her name is Anna. Paul’s sister. I purchased her from him for two thousand gold coins. I must thank my dear friend Paul for this wonderful opportunity.”

“Oh? Paul’s sister?” Lodis turned to Paul, his eyebrows raised. “Is this true? You sold your own sister for two thousand gold coins?”

Paul felt a surge of anger. He jumped off his horse. “I have no such friend! And I have no such shameless sister!”

Anna’s expression turned even colder at his words.

Chapter 65: Afra’s Wedding Dress

“Princess Vivian, haven’t you considered fighting back?” Winnie asked, wiping away her tears.

“Fight back? Did you not see how badly I lost?” Vivian replied, savoring her meal.

“Grrr…” Winnie’s stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten in over a day. “What are you eating? Can you spare a bite?”

Kailun had delivered food last night, but the box had been empty.

Vivian glanced at Winnie through the glass wall, her disheveled appearance serving as a reminder of Kailun’s cruelty.

There was a small hole in the wall, large enough to pass food through. She wondered what purpose it served.

“No. You haven’t washed your hands. I don’t want to share.” Her voice dripped with disdain.

“…”

Winnie’s idealized image of the princess shattered.

She had never experienced hunger before. She stared at the dim ceiling, her mind racing. How had she ended up in this predicament? What had she done to provoke Kailun?

The only explanation she could come up with was Paul. Kailun was probably seeking revenge.

He had mentioned taking her somewhere tomorrow. Perhaps she would see Paul again.

…

After feeding Vivian, Kailun returned to his villa. He spent the entire day poring over reports, gathering information on Hilna, Lodis, the Divine Church, and the Abyss.

His actions so far were merely a prelude. Once he controlled the Xiya Kingdom, the real chaos would begin.

Those who had wronged him, every single one of them, would pay.

Even if he couldn’t defeat them now, he could bide his time, waiting for Carol to reach her full potential. And if he was lucky, he might even gain access to her power.

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see the world burn.

If Winnie had witnessed his current state, she would have retreated to her corner, trembling in fear.

He had spent the entire day strategizing. This was his first true battle since his rebirth. Victory would grant him control of the Xiya Kingdom, a foundation for his future conquests.

…

While some rejoiced, others trembled. Even with her army at her command, Hilna couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.

Something felt wrong, but she couldn’t pinpoint the source. It was as if an invisible net had been cast over her, trapping her in darkness.

She shook her head, forcing those thoughts away. She pinned all her hopes on tomorrow’s battle.

If she defeated Kailun, she would become the Queen of Xiya. Failure meant surrendering her kingdom to a usurper.

As for Lodis?

He was a weak and indulgent fool. She would crush him alongside Kailun.

…

“We might lose tomorrow, but regardless of who wins, they’ll be branded traitors! We’ll retreat, regroup, and rally the other nobles. This kingdom will still be mine!” Lodis shared his plan with Paul, treating him as a confidant.

“But is it worth sacrificing so many of our guards?” Paul winced at the thought.

“Greatness demands sacrifice. I’ll inform the higher-ups about what transpired here. They can easily replenish our ranks from neighboring nations.” Harry patted his shoulder. “You want revenge on Kailun, don’t you? Once our plan succeeds, he won’t escape, even with his father’s protection! The Xiya Kingdom has attracted too much attention. The higher-ups want to make it a vassal state of the Divine Empire.”

He glanced at Lodis, who remained silent, seemingly unfazed by his words.

“I can really kill him…?” Paul stared at his hands, a twisted smile spreading across his face.

…

The sun rose, casting its golden rays upon a world on the brink of chaos.

Kailun, clad in his new suit, led the procession on horseback.

A carriage followed, carrying Vivian and the others. They were all dressed in elegant black dresses, as per his instructions. He had declared it a day of celebration.

At the same time, the Silver Moon Knights, stationed in a nearby town, marched towards the valley.

Afra, their captain, rode at the front, her white wedding dress flowing behind her like a banner.

She gazed towards the valley, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Kailun had promised her a surprise.

Chapter 64: A Battle of Words

After changing and having breakfast, Kailun headed towards the dungeon, two food boxes in hand.

Phils was still asleep. She had spent the night tossing and turning in the cell next to his, unable to sleep.

It wasn’t that the walls were thin. He had simply forgotten to close the window.

Winnie’s favorability had dipped even further after last night’s accident, reaching -90.

She sat slumped in the corner, her once pristine dress now stained and crumpled.

She glanced up at him as he entered, her eyes filled with resentment, before quickly looking away. Last night’s events had clearly taken a toll on her.

Kailun decided against further torment. Everyone had their limits. Pushing her now wouldn’t yield any additional benefits.

He placed a food box outside her cell and entered Vivian’s room. She was sitting at the table, engrossed in a novel.

“Tomorrow, I’m taking you to see your sister. If we’re lucky, we might even bring her back to keep you company.” He placed the food box on the table and opened it for her.

“If you manage to capture that woman, I might even thank you.” Vivian swung her legs, her feet dangling above the ground.

“No need for thanks. Just a kiss will do.” He chuckled.

Her eyes lit up. “Can I pay you in advance?”

“Of course.” He feigned ignorance.

“Close your eyes. Give me five seconds. I’ll grant your wish.” She tilted her chin up, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

This was her chance to turn the tables, to make Kailun her pet and subject him to the same torment he had inflicted upon her!

“Close your eyes! How am I supposed to kiss you if you’re staring at me?” She urged, impatient.

“Alright.”

He closed his eyes and sat still, a smile playing on his lips. He was an experienced angler, patiently waiting for his prey to take the bait.

The moment his eyes closed, Vivian popped the poisoned candy into her mouth and, with a mischievous grin, launched herself at him, her lips crashing against his.

Her tongue explored his mouth with a surprising amount of enthusiasm.

Kailun, enjoying the sensation, couldn’t resist teasing her back.

Their tongues danced, a playful battle for dominance. Vivian, to her surprise, found herself enjoying the experience.

Kailun knew her all too well. He could practically read her mind.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally pulled away, breathless and flushed.

“You’re doomed! You’ve been poisoned! Without my antidote, you’ll be coughing up blood within three days!” She stood, her hands on her hips, her stocking-clad legs planted firmly on his instep. “Scared speechless, are we?”

She imagined herself leading the charge against Hilna, Kailun by her side, her loyal puppet.

But Kailun simply pointed at his lips. “That’s not where I wanted you to kiss me. You misunderstood.”

“Where then?”

He didn’t answer. He simply lowered his head.

Vivian followed his gaze, her face turning crimson. “You pervert! How dare you think such filthy thoughts! I’ll punish you!”

He caught her fist before it could connect. “Before you punish me, why don’t you check if your antidote is still… effective?”

“Don’t think you can trick me! You just want to steal my antidote! I’d rather die than hand it over to you!” She tugged on her hand, her voice firm.

Despite her childish appearance, she was truly willing to die to spite him.

“Admirable spirit. But have you considered the possibility that the antidote hidden under your pillow has been… replaced?”

He could barely contain his laughter.

Vivian: “？！?”

Her face went through a series of emotions in rapid succession: shock, disbelief, then fear.

“How did you know?” She stared at him as if he were a monster.

“How could I not know? A simple search would have revealed it.”

He had thoroughly searched her person while carrying her home that night.

Vivian: “…”

She was speechless. Where should she even begin? After a long pause, she finally asked, “How did you know where I hid it?”

“I guessed.”

The most infuriatingly simple answer. She knew further questioning was futile.

He was hiding something. He knew her better than she knew herself.

She walked over to her bed, retrieved the hidden vial from under her pillow, and poured out two small candies.

Just as he had said, the antidote was gone.

She slumped onto the bed, defeated. “I lost. What do you want?”

He rested his chin on his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Two options. Either fulfill my previous request, or… put on a good show for your sister tomorrow. I’ll give you the chance to fight her one-on-one.”

“But I can’t beat her!”

“I said you can, so you can. Don’t you want to tie up your cruel and selfish sister and whip her yourself?” He extended his hand towards her.

She took it. “I accept.”

“Excellent. I’ll be watching your performance tomorrow. Oh, and I’ll have Carol deliver the dungeon keys to you tonight. Clean up Winnie. I can’t have her looking like a mess when I introduce her to her sister.”

He glanced at the transparent glass wall, his eyes meeting Winnie’s.

“He’s a monster…” She quickly retreated, cowering in the corner.

She had witnessed every moment of Vivian’s downfall. Observing from the sidelines only intensified her fear.

She had lost all dignity on the first day. What horrors awaited her in the days to come?

The thought sent shivers down her spine. If no one came to rescue her, she would surely break.

“I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your day.” He waved and left the room.

As he walked away, he “kindly” took the food box he had placed outside Winnie’s cell.

Winnie: “？？?”

Had he placed the food there just to taunt her?

Thanks a lot.

She burst into tears again.

When it came to being heartless, Kailun was truly a master.

Chapter 63: Two Dresses

The Loya Ballroom, due to its unique nature, had access to a vast network of information. Their eyes and ears were everywhere, picking up whispers of every significant event.

But behind the Loya Ballroom stood an even more enigmatic group: the Diviners.

Masters of Destiny Magic, they claimed to predict the future, to guide the world’s course.

In reality, their abilities weren’t as grand as the rumors suggested. Predicting the weather or one’s fortune was within their grasp, but foretelling the world’s fate came at a steep price.

Predicting Carol’s transformation had cost the lives of numerous Diviners. Anything more detailed would likely require the sacrifice of their entire order.

Kailun naturally suspected their involvement. But why would the Diviners expend such resources on a trivial matter?

Unless it was her?

He recalled a particular individual within the Loya Ballroom. Her power might have paled in comparison to the Fox Spirit’s, but her talent for Destiny Magic was equally extraordinary.

They had never met in his past life, but he had heard whispers of her reputation.

She was the only one who would squander her talent on such insignificant matters.

Intrigued, he made his way to the manor’s secluded drawing-room.

An elderly woman sat at the table, sipping tea.

“State your business,” Kailun said, getting straight to the point.

He accepted a freshly brewed cup of tea from Roden. “Thank you, Old Rod.”

Roden smiled kindly.

Given the current circumstances, Roden, their most skilled warrior, remained close to Kailun’s side, especially in the presence of strangers. It was a necessary precaution against potential assassins.

These were trying times. Once things settled down, he could call Afra back to his side.

Roden had been stuck at a bottleneck for quite some time. Kailun intended to help him break through, but he lacked the necessary resources for now.

“Master Kailun, I beseech you for the antidote. Please help us. I can’t bear to see those girls suffering, writhing in agony.” The woman pleaded.

Kailun took a sip of tea, his expression unreadable. “What antidote? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Perhaps you could be more specific.”

“Master Kailun… one of our Diviners foresaw that the solution to our problem lies with you. That’s why I’m here. If not for the princess’s deception, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.” The woman explained, adding “Master” to her address as a sign of respect.

The mention of a Diviner confirmed his suspicions. It was her.

He set down his cup and met her gaze. “I believe you’ve misinterpreted the prophecy. I can alleviate their pain, but I don’t have the antidote. If you trust me, Old Rod will provide you with some pain relievers.”

He stood and left the room, finishing his tea in one gulp.

“This…” The woman hesitated, unsure what to make of his words.

Would these pain relievers truly help?

Roden smiled reassuringly. “You can trust our young master. He’s not a bad person at heart.”

After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. “Very well. I’ll try it.”

…

The “pain relievers” weren’t a cure, nor were they ordinary painkillers. They were a byproduct of the poison, designed to temporarily alleviate the symptoms.

At this crucial juncture, Kailun wouldn’t hand over the antidote. These “pain relievers” were the best he could offer.

He didn’t want to antagonize the Loya Ballroom. Their intelligence network would prove useful in his future endeavors.

“Carol, have the dresses arrived?”

He found Carol in his private villa, eager to inquire about his new attire.

“Yes, Master. They arrived earlier. I’ve placed them in your room.” She blushed, averting her gaze.

She had seen the two figures under the blankets in his room. Even after witnessing such scenes several times, she couldn’t help but feel flustered. There were even times when she had walked in on him completely naked.

Despite her mental preparation, she still felt a surge of shyness.

“Excellent. Could you help me change? These clothes are quite complicated.”

He led her to his room, his excitement growing.

But then he remembered Anna and Ella. He quickly steered Carol towards her own room.

Two garment bags hung from a stand: a men’s suit and a women’s wedding dress.

He retrieved the suit from its bag, a sleek black ensemble.

“I’ll leave it to you,” he said, handing it to Carol and extending his arms.

“Leave it to me, Master. I’ll complete my task with utmost care.”

She carefully removed his clothes and helped him into the suit, her movements slow and deliberate.

She could sense his joy, a feeling she had rarely witnessed before.

He usually carried a burden of regret and resentment, emotions she couldn’t comprehend.

If only she could share his pain.

He was her savior. Even the smallest act of service brought her immense happiness.

It took ten minutes to dress him. The finished product left even Carol speechless.

The suit exuded power and elegance. Every detail was meticulously crafted. Combined with Kailun’s charisma, it created an irresistible aura. Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst out of her ribcage.

He radiated an indescribable charm. His confidence, his pride, his wickedness… it all coalesced into a captivating presence.

Carol sensed a transformation within him, a newfound clarity of purpose.

He was looking forward to the future.

Kailun adjusted his collar, admiring his reflection. “Not bad. Quite handsome, actually. Wearing this suit will make tomorrow’s events even more… ceremonial.”

He handed the garment bag containing the wedding dress to Carol. “Give this to Old Rod. Have him deliver it to Afra. Make sure she wears it tomorrow.”

“Okay~”

Carol’s eyes lingered on the bag, a hint of envy in her gaze.

Kailun instantly understood her thoughts. He patted her head gently. “Focus on getting stronger. I’ll have a dress made for you when you’re ready.”

Carol wasn’t just any girl to him. She held a special place in his heart.

She clutched the bag, her eyes shining with determination. “Yes, Master!”

[Carol’s feelings for you have deepened. Favorability increased. Current favorability: 92.]

Chapter 62: I’m Not Interested in Brothels

“Paul, you’re a lifesaver! You won’t believe what that vile Hilna has done! She poisoned these girls again! Utterly despicable!”

Harry grabbed his arm, preventing him from escaping.

They had switched venues, hired a new batch of girls, and yet Hilna had still managed to poison them.

Disgusting!

“It’s true! Some nobles are still suffering because they didn’t receive the antidote in time!” Lodis, clutching his green hair, fumed with righteous indignation.

“Thank goodness you’re here! This banquet would have been ruined.” Harry patted Paul’s shoulder. “Since you’ve declared your intention to stop struggling, why don’t you put on a good show tonight? I’ll recommend you for a position within the Divine Church.”

“No! I’ll die! I’ll definitely die!” Paul shook his head frantically. He couldn’t handle this many people.

“Don’t worry! My healing magic will mend any wounds you might receive! Now, let’s celebrate!”

Harry and Lodis, ignoring his protests, dragged him to the center of the hall.

Soon, Paul’s cries echoed through the banquet hall.

But even his moans couldn’t compare to the sweet sounds emitted by his sister and aunt. Kailun could attest to that.

…

Near midnight, Hilna arrived at the valley, her eyes widening at the sight of the Sunset Flowers blanketing the ground. “Are you sure Kailun spent the entire afternoon arranging these flowers?”

“Yes, Your Highness. He didn’t leave until sunset,” Shirley confirmed.

“Do you think it’s possible he’s hidden magic formations beneath these flowers?” Hilna scanned the valley suspiciously.

“We’ve checked thoroughly. They’re ordinary Sunset Flowers. There are no magical fluctuations. Everything is normal.”

“Can we set up an ambush here?”

Shirley gestured towards the nearby men in black. “Impossible. Kailun has left guards. We can’t make a move without him knowing.”

“All we can do is monitor the situation and prevent him from using any underhanded tactics.”

Hilna pondered her words. With Duke Stamp’s reinforcements arriving the day after tomorrow, she held a clear advantage. She couldn’t fathom how Kailun could possibly turn the tables.

According to her calculations, he was walking into a death trap.

But could it be that simple?

“Your Highness, we’ve received word from the banquet. The poison has been discovered.”

Hilna, gazing up at the night sky, sighed. “It doesn’t matter. The poisoned bodies were just a diversion. The real poison is in the food.”

It was a traditional approach, but she knew they were unlikely to consume the banquet food. Poisoning the wine was too risky, with dedicated tasters present.

It was a long shot, and she held little hope for its success.

“There’s something else I need to report,” Shirley said hesitantly.

“What is it? More bad news?” Hilna gestured towards the large boulder covered with a blanket.

“Rumors of you colluding with the Abyss are spreading like wildfire. It’s damaging your reputation. Should we address it?”

“Find the source of the rumors and arrest them. Find out who’s behind this. It’s probably either Kailun or the Second Prince. If it’s the latter, we’re in trouble.”

The Divine Church’s influence was a significant threat. After the poisoning attempt failed, she had lost her leverage over Harry. Dealing with the Church was proving to be a difficult task.

“Leave some men here to monitor the situation. We’re returning to the palace. Please prepare a sedative for me. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

“As you command.” Shirley, observing her exhaustion, clenched her jaw.

She prayed that their plan would succeed in two days.

Even if it cost her life, she would ensure Kailun’s demise.

The thought of the princess falling into his clutches was too horrifying to contemplate.

…

The sun rose, casting its golden rays upon the Royal City. Kailun stood by the window, enjoying a cup of warm milk delivered by Carol.

[Your total attribute points have increased by 2% due to Ella’s talent.]

[Ella still harbors resentment towards you. Current favorability: -65.]

[Anna is quite attached to your body. Current favorability: 65.]

Having achieved -100 favorability with Ella, he had gained all of her future attribute points, roughly equivalent to a fifth-tier mage.

While insignificant compared to his peak power in his past life, it was a substantial boost for now.

He owed Anna a debt of gratitude. Without her, he might have failed.

He wasn’t sure if Mental Pollution was a blessing or a curse.

Feeling the surge of power coursing through him, he was confident he could go another night without rest.

He was finally strong enough to defend himself, but he was still far from Roden’s level.

Unfortunately, the old butler wasn’t a “key figure” in the grand scheme of things. Otherwise, he could have siphoned a considerable amount of attribute points from him.

He glanced at the two figures sprawled on the bed, their naked bodies a testament to the night’s activities. He covered them with a blanket. They could clean themselves up when they woke.

With a mischievous grin, he headed to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

“Master, a woman claiming to be the owner of the Loya Ballroom is here to see you.”

Carol, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern, greeted him as he stepped out of his bedroom.

“The Loya Ballroom? What would they want with me? I don’t frequent brothels.”

“She mentioned something about the antidote. Do you have any idea what she’s talking about?” Carol visibly relaxed upon hearing his denial.

Kailun’s expression shifted. “Have the maids escort her to the drawing-room. I’ll be there shortly.”

This was unexpected. The owner of the Loya Ballroom shouldn’t know about his involvement.

Hilna wouldn’t expose him for the sake of her own reputation. So what had gone wrong?

A thought struck him. Could it be the person behind the Loya Ballroom?

Chapter 61: You Came Just in Time

[Natural Seduction: She is the embodiment of temptation. By stripping away her garments, you will experience divine pleasure. Each union of your souls will grant you bonus free attribute points.]

Kailun’s gaze fell upon Ella’s unique talent once more. Driven by his thirst for power, he pushed open the door to his bedroom.

Ella and Anna stood by the window, engaged in conversation. As per his instructions, they were both clad in stunning backless gowns.

Anna’s legs were adorned with white knee-high socks, while Ella wore black tights. The contrasting colors complemented each other perfectly, like a pair of black and white butterflies in flight.

Their conversation ceased abruptly as they heard his footsteps. Both turned to face him, their eyes filled with apprehension.

“Click!”

He closed the door and approached them slowly.

Standing behind them, he addressed Anna. “Did you teach Ella her duties?”

“Yes, Master. I explained everything. Auntie should be fully aware.” Anna nodded, feeling Ella’s glare burning into her back.

“Good. When I return from my bath, I expect to see her hard at work.”

He pinched Anna’s cheek playfully and entered the bathroom.

Silence descended upon the room. After a long moment, Ella turned to Anna. “Is this truly our only option?”

“Give up, Auntie. We can’t stop him. And compared to Paul and Father, he’s not that bad.” Anna’s gaze was fixed on the bathroom door.

“No! He’s a monster! You have no idea what he did to me!” Ella shook her head, unable to accept the thought of losing something so precious. “You’ve been brainwashed! Don’t you see what he’s doing to you? He’s been forcing you this whole time!”

“I know. But if I can’t resist, why not enjoy it? Here, we have endless food, countless scrolls, unlimited resources. And even at night… it’s quite comfortable.”

Ella’s hands fell limply to her sides.

Her niece was beyond saving.

She looked out the window. Thick clouds obscured the moon, mirroring the darkness that had settled upon her heart.

Anna led her to the bed and, before she could react, pushed her onto the mattress. Before Ella could scramble back to her feet, Anna was on top of her.

Their eyes met, their chests pressed together, the peaks of their breasts creating a breathtaking sight. Their revealing gowns left little to the imagination.

“What are you doing?” Ella asked, bewildered.

“He told me to hold you down. I figured it would be easier for both of us. For me to do my job and for him to… inspect the results.”

Anna shifted her weight, her stomach pressing against Ella’s. It was an awkward and compromising position.

Ella’s limbs were pinned, rendering her helpless. A cool breeze drifted in through the open window, sending a shiver down her exposed backside. A sense of foreboding washed over her.

“You’re truly obedient, aren’t you? I misjudged you. Why not just become his dog?”

Anna shook her head calmly, her hand toying with the chain dangling from Ella’s choker. “Auntie, I’m not his dog. You are.”

Ella: “…”

She couldn’t argue with that.

Despair flooded her heart. Her hatred for Kailun intensified.

[Ella’s hatred for you deepens as she confronts her reality. Favorability decreased to -90.]

Kailun, clad in a bathrobe, emerged from the bathroom, a triumphant smirk on his face. Anna had exceeded his expectations.

He surveyed the scene on the bed, his approval evident.

“Since you’re so eager, Ella, I’ll be gentle.”

He stretched, distributing his attribute points between Strength and Agility in a two-to-one ratio.

Speed and endurance weren’t mutually exclusive. With the right balance, he could conquer anything.

“I don’t want your gentleness! I don’t need it!” Ella retorted, her frustration boiling over. But she instantly regretted her outburst. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to raise my voice. Can you just pretend you didn’t hear that?”

“No can do. I only grant first wishes.”

He kicked off his slippers and climbed onto the bed, kneeling behind them.

The sight before him filled him with immense pleasure.

“Slap!”

He swatted Anna’s generous backside, enjoying the sound and the rippling flesh.

His gaze shifted downwards, lingering on the hem of Ella’s gown. “Do you know why I chose you first?”

“I don’t know! I really don’t know!” She squirmed as his fingers traced the sensitive skin of her inner thigh.

“Because you’re weak.” Kailun offered the simple truth. “If you were stronger, I wouldn’t have to resort to such risky methods. My talent is… quite demanding.”

Ella didn’t understand his last statement, but the first part was enough to infuriate her.

His dismissive tone felt like a personal attack. Even if she knew he was deliberately provoking her, it still stung.

[Ella’s hatred for you intensifies as you deny her worth. Favorability -5.]

“I’m not weak! I just started learning magic later in life! If I had started a few years earlier… mmm!”

Her protests were cut short as a wave of pleasure washed over her, leaving her breathless.

“Stubborn words, but your body tells a different story. Since you’re ready, there’s no need for gentleness.”

He pinned Anna down, his focus shifting to Ella.

“Rip!”

[Ella’s favorability -3 due to excruciating pain.]

[Ella’s favorability -1 as the pain intensifies.]

[Ella’s favorability -1 as Anna’s gaze shatters her pride.]

[-100 favorability achieved! You have gained all of Ella’s attribute points from a specific point in the future. You have also acquired a new talent: Gift of Power (Temporarily transfer your attribute points to another person. Refreshes three times daily).]

[Note: If Ella’s future growth exceeds this point, the attribute points gained will be calculated based on her highest potential.]

[Mental Pollution successful. Ella’s favorability +10. Current favorability: -90.]

[Anna’s favorability slowly increases due to her desire for you.]

[Anna’s favorability continues to increase as you fulfill her desires. Current favorability: 60.]

He had to admit, this “human sandwich” was a delightful experience. Visually appealing, satisfying, and convenient.

Different choices offered different flavors. The juicy explosion of flavors, the tender meat… it filled the emptiness within him.

Any craving could be satisfied. One bite, two bites, three bites… If that wasn’t enough, there was always the option of a “roujiamo” – meat sandwiched between two layers. A unique and equally satisfying experience.

This feast might last all night.

…

Meanwhile, a disheartened Paul found himself once again at the gates of Orchid Castle. The sight of the brightly lit building filled him with a numb emptiness.

The guards let him pass without question. Paul was, after all, the infamous “roast goose” of Orchid Castle.

As he neared the banquet hall, he heard a commotion. Something about “Get on your knees! How dare you poison…”

The words were muffled by the walls.

Ignoring the noise, he pushed open the doors to the banquet hall. “I… I don’t want to struggle anymore,” he mumbled.

All eyes turned to him.

A row of women knelt before the Second Prince. Their beauty paled in comparison to the previous night’s selection.

The hungry gazes of the nobles rekindled a spark of life within Paul. He took a step back. “Sorry. Wrong time?”

“No! You came at the perfect time!”

High Priest Harry beamed at him. The boy who had haunted his thoughts had finally returned.